Football - Duo would welcome Odemwingie return

West Brom duo Gareth McAuley and Ben Foster insist want-away striker Peter Odemwingie will be welcomed back into the squad.

Odemwingie delivered a series of Twitter rants against the club after having a transfer request rejected. He then turned up at Loftus Road without Albion's permission in the hope of completing a move to QPR which ultimately never materialised.

Odemwingie and the club issued a joint statement last week indicating that the matter had been resolved, and McAuley insisted: "It's fine. The lads realise that if Pete is on the pitch, playing well and scoring goals, everyone benefits from it."

He added: "That's how we're looking at it. Everything is fine now. The line has been drawn and now we're back talking about football.

"When we're out there together and everyone is pulling together we're a good side. We need Pete back on the pitch, playing and scoring goals for us."

Foster said: "It was an unfortunate incident but we've just got to carry on. Peter is an important part of our team.

"When he's on form he's an absolute world-beater, so we will welcome him back into the squad with no qualms whatsoever."

Odemwingie travelled with Albion to Monday's game at Liverpool but was not part of the final 18.